DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE3361 – SURVEYING AND LEVELLING

LABORATORY

III Semester Civil Regulations 2021

 CE3361 – SURVEYING AND
LEVELLING LABORATORY
ANNA UNIVERSITY SYLLABUS

Objectives
At the end of the course the student will possess knowledge about survey field techniques.

List of Experiments
Chain Survey
1. Study of chains and its accessories, Aligning, Ranging, Chaining and Marking Perpendicular offset
2. Setting out works – Foundation marking using tapes single Room and Double Room
Compass Survey
3. Compass Traversing – Measuring Bearings & arriving included angles
Levelling - Study of levels and levelling staff
4. Fly levelling using Dumpy level & Tilting level
5. Check levelling
Theodolite - Study of Theodolite
6. Measurements of horizontal angles by reiteration and repetition and vertical angles
7. Determination of elevation of an object using single plane method when base is accessible/
inaccessible.
Tacheometry – Tangential system – Stadia system
8. Determination of Tacheometric Constants
9. Heights and distances by stadia Tacheometry
10. Heights and distances by Tangential Tacheometry
Total Station - Study of Total Station, Measuring Horizontal and vertical angles
11. Traverse using Total station and Area of Traverse
12. Determination of distance and difference in elevation between two inaccessible points using Total
station

TOTAL HOURS: 45

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. All the students are instructed to wear protective uniform, shoes and cap before entering

into the laboratory.

2. Before starting the exercise, students should have a clear idea about the principles of that

exercise.

3. All the students are advised to come with completed record and corrected field book of

previous experiments, defaulters will not be allowed to do their experiment.

4. Don’t operate any instrument without getting concerned staff member’s prior permission.

5. All the instruments are costly. Hence handle them carefully, to avoid fine for any

breakage.

6. Utmost care must be taken to avert any possible injury while on laboratory work. In case,

anything occurs immediately report to the staff members.

7. One student from each batch should put his/her signature during receiving the instrument

in instrument issue register.

8. Don’t adjust the permanent adjustment screws of theodolite and levelling instrument to

avoid the collection of fine amount equivalent to the servicing charge of the particular

instrument.

3
 INDEX

Sl. NO. LIST OF EXPERIMENTS PAGE No

1
1 Study of chains and its accessories, Aligning, Ranging, Chaining and
Marking
Perpendicular offset
Setting out works – Foundation marking using tapes single Room and 7
2
Double
Room 9
3 Compass Traversing – Measuring Bearings & arriving included angles

12
4 Fly levelling using Dumpy level &Tilting level

15
5 Check levelling

17
6 Measurements of horizontal angles by reiteration and repetition and vertical
angles
Determination of elevation of an object using single plane method 21
7
when base is accessible/inaccessible
8 Determination of Tacheometric Constants 25

9 Heights and distances by stadia Tacheometry 27

10 Heights and distances by Tangential Tacheometry 29

11 Study of Total Station, Measuring Horizontal and vertical angles 31

12 Determination of distance and difference in elevation between two 32

inaccessible points using total station
Additional Experiments Beyond The Syllabus
Plane table surveying – Radiation method 34
12
13 Plane table surveying – Intersection method 36

4
 EXPT. NO. STUDY OF CHAINS AND ITS ACCESSORIES,
ALIGNING, RANGING, CHAINING AND MARKING

Aim

To study the Chain and tape and accessories used for chain surveying
A) Chain:
1. The chains are made in lengths of 30 meters/20 meters.
2. The brass tallies are fixed at every 5m length.
3. Small brass rings are provided at every one meter length.
4. It is composed of 100 or 150 pieces of galvanized mild steel wire of 4mm in diameter called links.
5. The ends of each links are bent into a loop and connected together by means of 3 oval rings
which give flexibility to the chain.
6. The length of each links is 20cm i.e. the distance between 2 consecutive middle rings.
7. The end of the chains is provided with brass handle for dragging the chain on the ground.
8. The chain length is measured from the outside of one handle to the other.
9. To hold the arrows in the position with the handle of the chain a groove is cut on the outside
surface of the handle.
B) Ranging rods:
1. They are usually of 2m or 3m in length.
2. They are in circular cross section and having alternate black, white and red bands of 20 cm length
each to make them visible at a distance.
3. They are used for ranging the lines and for marking the positions of points on the ground.
C) Arrows:
1. They are made of a steel wire of 4mm diameter for 40cm length.
2. They are pointed at one end for inserting into the ground and bent at the other end for facility of
carrying.
3. They are used to mark the end of each chain during chaining.
E) Cross staff:
1. It consists of a wooden block with two fine sow cuts at right angles to each other on the top.
2. It is used to set a perpendicular at a given point on the chain line.
3. The head is fixed to a top of an iron staffwith pointed end to drive into the ground.

F) Optical square:
1. This is also used to set a perpendicular with more accuracy.
2. This has 2 mirrors placed at an angle of 45 ۨ◌ to each other.

1
 3. By means of reflection we can see the ranging rods along the chain line and the offset point at
right angles to the chain lines simultaneously.

1) Result:
The Chain and tape and accessories used for chain surveying has been studied fully

2) Outcome:
At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the Chain and tape and
accessories used for chain surveying

2
EXPT. NO. ALIGNING, RANGING AND CHAINING OF A LINE

Aim:

To find the distance between the given two points by ranging and chaining a line

Apparatus required:
1. Chain (30m)
2. Ranging rods
3. Arrows

Procedure:
A) For ranging a line:

1. Fix the ranging rods vertically at the ends of the given line.
2. To fix the intermediate ranging rod, instruct the other person to stand with a ranging rod at any
intermediate point desired.
3. Stand at about 2m behind the first ranging rod and instruct the other person to adjust the ranging
rod in such a way that the intermediate ranging rod comes in a line with the end rods.
4. Erect the rod vertically and firmly at that point.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 to erect other intermediate ranging rods.
B) For chaining a line:

1. Hold one handle of the chain at first ranging rod.

2. Instruct the follower to drag the chain along the given line.
3. Fix the arrows at the end of the chain length.
4. Do the same procedure for the full length of the line.
5. Count any fractions of the chain length at the end of the last ranging rod by using tallies, rings &
links

Result:
Length of the given line =

Outcome:
At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the ranging and chaining of the line

3
 EXPT. NO. DETERMINE THE AREA OF THE BOUNDARY
USING CHAIN SURVEY
Aim:
To find out the area of the given boundary points by perpendicular offset method

Instruments required:
1. Chain (30m)
2. Cross staff
3. Ranging rods
4. Arrows

Formulae:
Area of the triangle A = ½ bh sq. units.
Area of the trapezium A = ½ h (a+b) sq. units.

Procedure:

1. The survey stations are fixed.

2. To range a line AB, the ranging rods are fixed at the end of the line.
3. The surveyors stand just behind the ranging rod A. The assistant holds a ranging rod at point C,
approximately on the line AB.
4. Locate the perpendicular offset by using cross staff.
5. Move the cross staff towards left / right.
6. Now base line (AB) is visible and perpendicular line also visible.
7. Perpendicular line measurements are taken.
8. The operation is repeated until the end station of the line is reached.
9. To check the accuracy of the measurement, the line is measured in the reverse direction.
10. Split the area, by triangle and trapezoidal.
11. Move the cross staff towards left / right.
12. Now base line (AB) is visible and perpendicular line also visible.
13. Perpendicular line measurements are taken.
14. Calculate the area by using triangle and trapezoidal formula

4
Diagram:
At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the perpendicular offset method

Result:

The area of the field = …………………………………

Outcome:

5
 Application

1. Fixing intermediate points on the chain lines, without going to either end we can fix the
intermediate points. Time reducing method
2. Area to be surveyed is comparatively small. It is used for rapid measurements
3. Ranging must be done before a survey line is chained. It may be necessary to establish a
number of intermediate points prior to chaining when chain line is much longer.
4. It is necessary that the chain should be laid out on the ground in a straight line
between the end stations. Error rectifying

6
EXPT. NO. SETTING OUT WORKS – FOUNDATION MARKING
USING TAPES SINGLE ROOM AND DOUBLE
ROOM

Aim:
To plot the plan of an existing building by running a closed chain traverse and to find the area of the plot

Instruments required:
1. Chain
2. Cross staff
3. Optical square
4. Ranging rods
5. Arrows& tape

Procedure:
1. Range and chain the lines around the given building to form a rectangle in clockwise/anti
clockwise direction.
2. Measure all the offset points (Perpendicular/ Oblique) from the chain line.
3. Plot the building in a drawing sheet with suitable scale.
4. Subtract the un-built up area (open space) of the plot from the total area of the plot to find the
built up area of the building.

Diagram:

7
Result:
The plan of the building is plotted as shown in figure.

Area of the plot (a) =… .................m2

Area of the open space (b) = .....................m2
Outcome:
Gain knowledge about closed traversing in the wide field

Applications

1. Ranging must be done before a survey line is chained. It may be necessary to establish a number
of intermediate points prior to chaining when chain line is much longer.
2. Getting accurate values comparing reiteration method. Easy to measure the targets.
3. It is necessary that the chain should be laid out on the ground in a straight line between the end
stations.

8
 EXPT. NO. COMPASS TRAVERSING – MEASURING
BEARINGS & ARRIVING INCLUDED
ANGLES

Aim:
To run a closed compass traverse along a chosen boundary, adjust the closing error by Bowditch rule and
calculate the local attraction

Instruments required:
1. Prismatic Compass
2. Chain or tape
3. Arrows
4. Ranging rods

Procedure:
1. Let A, B, C, D, E be the given points along the closed traverse.
2. Set up the instrument at each point and note down fore bearing and back bearing (i.e) A to B and
B to A. Continue the procedure upto EA and AE.
3. Measure the distances between the consecutive points.
Procedure of balancing a traverse Bowditch’s rule (Graphical method):
1. In figure (a), polygon AB’C’D’E’A’ represents an unbalanced traverse having a closing error equal to A’A since
the first point A and last point A’ are not coinciding.
2. The total closing error AA’ is distributed linearly, to all the sides in proportional to their length by a
graphical construction, shown in figure (b).In figure (b),AB’, B’C’,C’D’, etc. represents the length of thesides of
the traverse, either to the same scale as that of figure (a) or to a reduced scale.
3. The ordinate aA’ is made equal to the closing error A’A of figure (a).
4. By constructing similar triangles, the corresponding errors bB’, cC’, dD’, eE’ are found.
5. Infigure(a),linesE’E,D’D,C’C,B’B are drawn parallel to the closing errorA’ Aand madeequal to eE’,
dD’, cC’, bB’ respectively.
6. The polygon ABCDE so obtained represents the adjusted traverse.
7. It should be remembered that the ordinates bB’, cC’, dD’, eE’, aA’ of figure (b) represents the corresponding errors
in magnitude only but not in direction.
8. The ordinate aA’ is made equal to the closing error A’A of figure (a).
9. By constructing similar triangles, the corresponding errors bB’, cC’, dD’, eE’ are found.
9
Observation:

Distance
Line in F. B. F.B~ B.B Local
B B Attraction
m
AB
BC
CD
DE
EA

Calculation:

Angle of EAB = F.B of AB –B.B of AE

Angle of ABC = F.B of BC –B.B of BA

Angle of BCD = F.B of CD – B.B of CB

Angle of CDE = F.B of DE –B.B of DC

Angle of DEA = F.B of EA –B.B of ED

To Check:
Sum of included angle of pentagon = (2n-4)
90° Error =
x°

Distribution of error = x°/n

Result:
The amount of closing error =…………..
Outcome:

At the end of the experiment, students will gain knowledge about closed compass traversing

10
 Applications

1. The compass calculates the bearings in whole circle bearing system which determines the angle
which the survey line makes with the magnetic north in the clockwise direction making good
alignment in field work.
2. Compass surveying is recommended when the area is large, undulating and crowded with many
details.
3. To find the horizontal angle between the true north and the magnetic north at the time of
observation.

11
 EXPT. NO. FLY LEVELLING USING DUMPY LEVEL
&TILTING

Aim:
To determine the R.L. for the given points and to find the level difference between them

Instruments required:
1. Dumpy level & Tilting level
2. Staff

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Set up the instrument at P to cover the maximum points.

2. Do all the initial adjustments.
3. Direct the telescope towards the first point and enter the reading as B.S.
4. Enter the reading of the last visible point from the instrument station as F.S. and of all other point
as I.S.
5. Shift the instrument to Q, set up and level it correctly.
6. Don’t change the position of the staff until the back staff reading is taken on the staff held at the
last required point.

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Observation:
Height of collimation

Reduced Level of the first point =…………….

Staff
B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks
station

Arithmetic Check:
∑B.S - ∑ F.S = Last RL – First RL

Observation:

Rise & Fall

Reduced Level of the first point =…………….

Staff station B.S I.S F.S Rise Fall R.L Remarks

Calculation:

I. Find the level difference between the successive readings & enter this as rise (+ sign), fall (-sign)
II. Then find the R.L by adding the rise and subtracting the fall with the R.L of the previous points.

Arithmetic Check:
∑B.S - ∑ F.S =∑ Rice - ∑ Fall = Last RL – First RL

Result:
Level difference between the consecutive points =…………

Outcome:
At the end of this experiment, students gain knowledge about leveling points

13
 Applications

1. The measured levels can be represented on paper with suitable scale.

2. The existing soil profile at ground level along a particular line, or as related to the
of a road or section of a pipeline.
3. Laying a circular arch line for athletics. Reference a circular arch line for taken by this method.

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EXPT. NO. CHECK LEVELLING
Aim:
To run the check level to find the level difference of the given points and also to find the amount of closing
error

Instruments required:
1. Dumpy level
2. Staff

Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument at P to cover the maximum points
2. Do all the initial adjustments
3. Direct the telescope towards the first point and enter the reading as B.S.
4. Enter the reading of the last visible point from the instrument station as F.S. and of all other
point as I.S.
5. Shift the instrument to Q, set up and level it correctly.
6. Don’t change the position of the staff until the back staff reading is taken on the staff held at
the last required point.
7. Do the same procedure in the reverse direction and close with the first point.

Observation:
Reduced level of the first point =…………………..

Staff
B.S I.S F.S H. I R.L Remarks
station

Arithmetic Check:

∑B.S - ∑ F.S = Last RL – First RL

Result:

Closing error =……………………

R.L. for the given points =……………………

Outcome:
At the end of this experiment, students gain knowledge about closing error point

15
 Applications

1. The measured levels can be represented on paper with suitable scale.

2. The existing soil profile at ground level along a particular line, or as related to the
proposed surface of a road or section of a pipeline.
3. Laying a circular arch line for athletics. Reference a circular arch line for taken by this method

16
EXPT. NO. MEASUREMENTS OFHORIZONTAL ANGLES BY
REITERATION ANDREPETITION AND VERTICAL
ANGLES
REPETITION METHOD

Aim:
To find out the horizontal angle between A and B
Instruments required:
1. Theodolite
2. Tape
3. Ranging rods
4. Arrows

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Theodolite is set over an instrument station (O) exactly and all the temporary adjustments
are done. Vertical circle is placed Left to the observer (face Left observation).
2. Vernier A is set to Zero with the help of upper clamp screw and tangent screws. Readings
of Vernier A and B are noted.

3. Upper clamp is clamped. Lower clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned towards
“P”. Lower clamp is clamped and the point “P” is bisected exactly using tangent screws.
17
 4. Both the vernier A and B are read and noted (Must be equal to 0° and 180°
respectively).Upper clamp isunclampedandthetelescopeisturnedclockwise and“Q”is
bisected.

5. Upper clamp is clamped and “Q” is bisected exactly using tangent screws. Both the vernier
are read. Mean of the readings provide an approximate included angle of POQ.

6. The reading of vernier A gives directly the angle POQ, and 180° is subtracted by the
reading of vernier B. The mean value of two readings gives the angle POQ with one
face.

Observation:
Face Left :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Horizontal angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Face Right :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Horizontal angle
0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″

Result:

The horizontal angle between A and B is = …………………………………

Outcome:

At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the perpendicular offset method

18
 REITERATION METHOD

Aim:
To find out the horizontal angle between A and B
Instruments required:
1. Theodolite
2. Tape
3. Ranging rods
4. Arrows

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Theodolite is set over an instrument station (O) exactly and all the temporary adjustments
are done. Vertical circle is placed Left to the observer (face Left observation).

2. Vernier A is set to Zero with the help of upper clamp screw and tangent screws. Readings
of Vernier A and B are noted.
3. Upper clamp is clamped. Lower clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned towards “P”. Lower clamp is
clamped and the point “P” is bisected exactly using tangent screws.
4. Both the vernier A and B are read and noted (Must be equal to 0° and 180°
respectively). Upper clampisunclampedandthetelescopeisturnedclockwise and“Q”is
bisected.

5. Upperclampisclampedand“Q”isbisectedexactlyusingtangentscrews.Boththevernier are read. Mean

of the readings provide an approximate included angle of POQ.

19
 6. The reading of vernier A gives directly the angle POQ, and 180° is subtracted by the
reading of vernier B. The mean value of two readings gives the angle POQ with one
face.

Observation:
Face Left :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Horizontal angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Face Right :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Horizontal angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Result:

The horizontal angle between A and B is = …………………………………

Outcome:

At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the perpendicular offset method

20
 MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLE

Aim:
To Measure the vertical angle between A and B

Instruments required:
1. Theodolite
2. Ranging rods
3. Arrows& tape

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Theodolite is set up, centered and leveled with reference to the plate bubble.

2. Telescope is placed horizontallybysettingthereadingof0°0’0”in theverniers of Cand D.

3. Levelling process is carried out with the help of foot screws and the altitude bubble is brought

4. Vertical circle clamp is loosened and the telescope is directed upwards to bisect P.

5. Vertical circle clamp is clamped and the point P is exactly bisected using vertical tangent

6. Both the verniers of C and D are read and noted. Mean of the two verniers provide the vertical

7. Face is changed and all the above steps are repeated to get one more vertical angle HOP.

8. Average of the vertical angles taken to get an accurate vertical angle

21
Observation:
Face Left :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Vertical Angle
0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″

Face Right :

A B
Instrument station Sight to Vertical Angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Result:
The Vertical angle between P and H is = …………………………………

Outcome:
Gain knowledge about closed traversing in the wide field

Application

1. Getting accurate values comparing reiteration method

2. Easy to measure the targets
3. Error rectifying

22
EXPT. NO. DETERMINATION OF ELEVATION OF AN OBJECT USING
SINGLE PLANE METHOD WHEN BASE IS
ACCESSIBLE/INACCESSIBLE

Aim:
To determine the height of the building by using theodolite in the field
Instruments required:
1. Theodolite
2. Arrows
3. Ranging rods

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Set up the theodolite at A, level it carefully and observe the angle ofelevation.
2. Set the vertical vernier to zero, and take a reading on a staff held vertically on a
B.M. Let it be S1.
3. Transit the telescope, so that the line of sight is reversed.
4. Mark a point B in the line of sight at a convenient distance d. Measure it accurately.
5. Shift the theodolite to the point B, center it and level it.
6. Observe the angle of elevation.
7. Set the Vertical vernier to zero and take again a B.M. reading as S2

23
 Observation:

Bottom hair
S.No Sight To Vertical Top hair Staff
Angle intercept

Result:
The height of the building by using single plane method is =…………..

Outcome:
At the end of the experiment, students will gain knowledge about closed compass traversing

Application

1. Using to measure the height of the different elevation of the structure

2. Reference bench mark is easily taken by this method
3. Getting the elevation value even obstruction in the fi

24
EXPT. NO. DETERMINATION OF TACHEOMETRIC CONSTANTS

Aim:
To determine the multiplying and additional constants of a tachometer
Instruments required:

1. Tachometer
2. Leveling staff
3. Tape

Procedure:
1. Measure a line, about 200 m long on fairly level ground and drive pegs at some
2. Intervals, say 50 meters.
3. Keep the staff on the pegs and observe the corresponding staff intercepts with
4. Horizontal sight.
5. Knowing the values of d and s for different points, a number of simultaneous
6. Equations can be formed by substituting the values of d and s in equation .

Diagram:

25
Formulae:
Horizontal distance D = KS + C
Where,
K = Multiplying constant
C = Additive constant
S = staff intercept
D = distance of peg points
C2 = a2 +b2 – 2ab cos θ
Area = (1/2) ab sin C
Observation:
Face Left :
Instrument station Sight to A B Horizontal angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Face Right :
Instrument station Sight to A B Horizontal angle
0 0
′ ″ ′ ″

Result:
The value of tacheometer constants are =

Outcome:
At the end of this experiment, student acquires knowledge about the analytical lens of
tachometry
Application

1. It is used for rapid measurements

2. Knowing the concept of analytical lens in tacheometer
3. Error rectifying
4. Knowing the values of d and s for different points

26
EXPT. NO. HEIGHTS AND DISTANCES BY STADIA TACHEOMETRY

Aim:
To determine the distance and elevation of a point using tacheometric stadia system

Instruments required:
1. Tacheometer
2. Levelling staff
3. Pegs or Arrow

Diagram:
Procedure:

1. Tacheometer is set over an instrument station (O) exactly and all the temporary
adjustments are done.
2. The verniers C and D are set to read zero by means of vertical circle clamping
screw and tangent screw.(Telescope is held at horizontal position).
3. Back sight reading is taken on BM.
4. Telescopic clamping screw is unclamped and the telescope is turned in the vertical
plane to sight the leveling staff whichis placed over the object “P”. Vertical angle α isnoted.
Staff intercept (S) is also determined.
5. The horizontal distance between O and P is determined as follows:-
OP = D = K S cos2α + A cos α
6. Difference in elevation between O and P is determined as follows:-
V = (KS sin2α / 2) + A sinα
27
 7. R.L of point “P” is determined as follows:
R.L of point “P” = R.L of Line of collimation + V- h

Observation:

S.N Sight To Vertical Top hair Bottom hair Staff

o Angle intercept

Result:

i) Horizontal distance between O and P =

ii) Difference in elevation between O and P =

` iii)R.L of “P” =
Outcome:
At the end of the experiment,students will gain knowledge about tacheometric stadia system

Application

1. Using to measure the height of the different elevation of the structure

2. Reference bench mark is easily taken by this method
3. Getting the elevation value by using stadia hair

28
EXPT. NO. HEIGHTS AND DISTANCES BY TANGENTIAL
TACHEOMETRY

Aim:
To determine the distance and elevation of a point using tangential tacheometric system
Instruments required:
1. Tacheometer
2. Levelling staff
3. Pegs or Arrow

Procedure:
1. Tacheometer is set over an instrument station (O) exactly and all the
temporary adjustments are done.
2. The verniers C and D are set to read zero by means of vertical circle clamping
screw and tangent screw.(Telescope is held at horizontal position).
3. Back sight reading is taken on BM.
4. Telescopic clamping screw is unclamped and the telescope is turned in the
vertical plane to sight the leveling staff which is placed over the object “Q”.
5. Upper target reading (R1) is bisected exactly with the help of telescope
clamping screw and its tangential screw. Vertical angle α1 is noted.
6. Similarly the lower target reading (R2) is bisected and Vertical angle α2 isnoted.
7. From the geometry of the figure, difference in elevation are determined as follows:-

MN = D tan α1
M B=D tanα2
8. Telescopic clamping screw is unclamped and the telescope is turned in the
vertical plane to sight the leveling staff which is placed over the object
“Q”.
9. Upper target reading (R1) is bisected exactly with the help of telescope
clamping screw and its tangential screw. Vertical angle α1 is noted.

29
Observation:
Face Left :
Instrument station Sight to A B Horizontal angle
º º

Face Right :
Instrument station Sight to A B Horizontal angle

º º

Result:
Horizontal distance between O and the Subtense bar =

Outcome:
At the end of the experiment, students will gain knowledge about tacheometric subtense system.

30
EXPT. NO. STUDY OF TOTAL STATION, MEASURING HORIZONTAL
AND VERTICAL ANGLES

Aim:
To study the total station used for surveying.

Total station:

1. The Total station is designed for measuring of slant distances, horizontal and vertical angles and
elevations in topographic and geodetic works, tachometric surveys, as well as for solution of
application geodetic tasks. The measurement results can be recorded into the internal memory
and transferred to a personal computer interface.

2. The basic properties are unsurpassed range, speed and accuracy of measurements. Total stations
are developed in view of the maximal convenience of work of the user. High- efficiency
electronic tachometers are intended for the decision.

3. Angles and distances are measured from the total station to points under survey, and the
coordinates (X, Y, and Z or northing, easting and elevation) of surveyed points relative to the
total station position are calculated using trigonometry and triangulation.

4. Data can be downloaded from the total station to a computer and application software used to
compute results and generate a map of the surveyed area.

5. A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern surveying. It is also used by

archaeologists to record excavations as well as by police, crime scene investigators, private
accident Reconstructionists and insurance companies to take measurements of scenes. The total
station is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic distance meter (EDM),
plus internal data storage and/or external data collector.

6. The purpose of any survey is to prepare maps, control points formed a basic requirement for the
preparation of these maps.

7. There are several numbers of methods like traverse, triangulation etc., to provide these control
points.

8. Whatever the method the provision of control points, includes the measurement of two
entities( Distance and Angle).

31
EXPT. NO. MEASURING HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ANGLES

Aim:

Measure the area of given boundary points by using Total Station.

Apparatus Required:
1. Total Station and tripod
2. Prism and prism rod
3. Arrows

Diagram:

32
Procedure:
1. Set the instrument at the station point which the point covers all boundary points.
2. Do the temporary adjustments in the instrument and level it properly.
3. Set the prism height and enter the prism height value in Total Station.
4. Consider all boundary points in closed traverse.
5. Select the area measurement option and bisect the boundary points with the help of prism.
6. Take readings from all boundary points and directly found the area from Total Station.

Result:
The area of the given field = ---------measured by Total Station.

Outcome:
Gain the ability to use modern survey equipment to measure angle and distance.

33
EXPT. NO. PLANE TABLE SURVEYING – RADIATION
METHOD

Aim:
To locate the object from a single station and to find the area of the given polygon

Instruments required:
1. Plane table with stand
2. Tape
3. Trough compass
4. Alidade,
5. Spirit level
6. Plumbing fork with plumb bob
7. Arrows
8. Ranging rod

Diagrams:

a.

Procedure:
1. Select the position of the table where it is be set so that all the points to be located are
visible from it. Let ’O’ be the position of such a point on the ground.
2. Set the plane table over this point and level it. Draw the North line in the top corner
of sheet by means of trough compass at the table.
3. Now transfer the position of the point ‘O’ on the ground to the sheet by means of the plumbing fork.

34
 The point ‘O’ will represent point ‘o’ will represent point ‘O’on the ground.
4. With the alidade touching the point ‘o’ (may be represented by fixing a pin), sight the point A in the
field. Draw the ray along the fiducial edge.

5. Similarly sight other points such as B, C, D, E etc. and measure their distances from
the instrument station. Plot them to scale to get their position on the sheet such as b,
c, d etc. on the sheet.

Calculations:
The outline of the profile is plotted as

showns(A
s =− a)(s − b)(s − c)

(a b c)
S=
2

Result:
The object from a single station where located and the enclosed area of the given polygon is
calculated. Area of the polygon ABCDE =

Outcome:
Students will be able to draw the topographical features on the map at the end this experiment

35
EXPT. NO. PLANE TABLE SURVEYING INTERSECTION
METHOD

Aim:

To locate inaccessible point by the intersection of rays drawn from two instrument station

Instrument required:

1. Plane table
2. Trough compass
3. Alidade
4. Sprit level
5. Plumbing bob with plumbing fork
6. Arrows
7. Taps
8. Ranging rods

Diagram:

36
Procedure:

1. Select two points L and M in such a way so that all the points to be plotted are visible
from them. Now set the table at station, point L in such a position so that the sheet
should cover all the points. Level the table and clamp it.
2. Draw the north line in the top corner of sheet by means of trough compass
3. Now transfer theposition ofstation pointL on thesheetas‘l’with thehelp ofplumbing fork so that it
is vertically above the instrument station.
4. With the alidade pivoted about ‘l’ sight the ranging rod fixed at station point M and draw the line in
the direction of M. Now measure the distance LM by means of the tape and cut off
lm to some suitable scale along the ray drawn toward M;thus fixing the position of ‘m’ on the sheet
corresponding to station point M on the ground. The line lm is called the base line.
5. With the alidade touching the point ’l’ sight the objects in the field such as A,B,C,D,E etc. as shown
in figure and draw the rays towards them. The direction of each line is marked with
an arrow and a letter A, B, C, D,E etc. corresponding to above details.
6. Now shift the table to the station point M and approximately set it in the line with
ML. Set it up so that the point ‘m’is vertically abovethe station point ‘M’and level it.
7. Orient the table roughly by compass, then finally by placing the alidade along ml and
bisecting the ranging rod fixed at station point ‘L’ i.e. by back sighting ‘L’. Clamp the table in
this position.
8. With the alidade centered at m sight the same object in the field such as A, B, C, D,
E etc; and draw rays. The intersection of these rays with the respective rays from l
locate the object A,B,C,D,E etc; as a ,b,c,d,e, etc; on the sheet.

Result:
The Distance between two inaccessible point is = .................................... m.

Outcome:
Students will be able to found the inaccessible points distance at the end this experiment

37
 VIVA QUESTIONS

1. What is the fundamental difference between surveying and leveling?

In surveying the measurements are taken in horizontal plane, but in leveling they are taken in the
vertical plane.

2. What is the fundamental difference between plane surveying and geodetic surveying?
In Plane surveying, the curvature of the earth is not considered. But in Geodetic surveying, the
curvature of the earth is considered.

3. What do you mean by terms “topographical map” and cadastral map?

A map which shows the natural features of a country such as rivers, hills, roads, railways, villages,
towns, etc. is known as topographical map, and one which shows the boundaries of estates, fields,
houses, etc. is known as a cadastral map.

4. What is the main principle of surveying?

The fundamental principle of surveying is to work from the whole to the part.

5. How is a chain folded and unfolded?

In order to fold the chain, a chainman moves forward by pulling the chain at the middle so that
two halves come side by side. Then he places the pair of links on his left hand with his right hand
until the two brass handles appear at the top.
To unfold the chain: A chain man holds the two brass handles in his left hand and throws the bunch
with his right hand. Then one chain man stands at a station holding one handle and another
chainman moves forward by holding the other handle.

6. In a chaining operation, who is the leader and who is the follower?

The chain man at the forward end of the chain who drags the chain is known as the leader and
the one at the rear end of the chain is known as the follower.

7. While chaining a line, if you have to measure through a steep sloping ground, what method
should you apply?
The stepping method.

8. Two stations are not intervisible due to intervening high ground. How will you range the
line?
The ranging is to be done by the reciprocal method.

38
9. What do you mean by normal tension?
The tension at which the measured distance is equal to the correct distance (i.e; when sag
correction is neutralized by pull correction) is known as normal tension.

10. What do you mean by RF?

The ratio of the distance on the drawing to the corresponding actual length of the object is known
as RF.

11. What is the difference between plain scale and diagonal scale?
The plain scale represents two successive units. The diagonal scale represents three successive
units.

12. What is hypotenuse allowance?

When one chain length is measured on slopping ground then it shows a shorter distance on the
horizontal distance is known as the hypotenusal allowance.

13. How many ranging rods are required to range a line?

At least three ranging rods required for direct ranging and at least four for indirect ranging.

14. What is the length of one link in a 20m chain?

The 20m chain is divided in to 100 links. So, one link is 0.2m. i.e; 20cm. long.

15. What is the Principle of chain surveying?

The Principle of chain surveying is triangulation.

16. What do you mean by triangulation?

The method of dividing an area into a number of triangles is known as triangulation.

17. Why is the triangle preferred to the quadrilateral?

The triangle is preferred just it is a simple figure which can be drawn by just knowing the lengths
of its sides.

18. What is the disadvantage of using ill – conditioned triangles?

The apex point of an ill conditioned triangle is not well defined and sharp. This may cause some
confusion while marking the actual point correctly on the map.

19. What is reconnaissance survey?

The preliminary inspection of the area to be surveyed is known as reconnaissance survey.
39
20. What is an index sketch?
During reconnaissance survey a neat hand sketch is prepared showing the frame work of the
survey. This sketch is known as index sketch.

21. What is base line of survey?

Base line is the back bone of the survey. The frame work of the survey is prepared on this line.

22. How is the north line of the chain survey map fixed?
The north line of the chain survey map is fixed by taking the magnetic bearings of the base line
by prismatic compass.

23. Suppose you are asked to conduct a chain survey in a crowded town what would you
say?
In chain survey, whole area is to be divided into a number of triangles. But the formation of
triangles is not possible in a crowded area. So I would reject the proposal.

24. What should be the maximum length of the offset?

The maximum length of the offset should be within the length of the tape used. Generally it
should not be more than 15m.

25. How is a station marked on the ground?

The station is marked on the ground by a wooden peg and with a cross on the station point.

26. What is the need of a reference sketch?

If the station peg is removed by some one the station can be located accurately with the help of
measurements shown in reference sketch.

27. How will you set up a perpendicular with the help of only a chain and tape?
By forming triangle in the ratio 3:4:5 using the chain and tape.

28. Who are the leader and follower when a line is being chained?
The chain man at the forward end of the chain who drags the chain is known as the leader. The
one at the rear end of the chain is known as the follower.

29. Why does the field book open lengthwise?

If the field book is opened lengthwise, it becomes easy to maintain the continuation of a chain
line.

40
30. Why is the scale always drawn in the map?
The paper on which the map is drawn may shrink or expand due to various reasons. If the scale is
plotted on the map, then it is also reduced or enlarged proportionately. So the distance on the
map measured by this scale remains unaltered.

31. What is it necessary to provide tallies in a chain?

Tallies are provided in a chain for the facility to counting some fractional length of the chain,
when the full chain length is not required.

32. What do you mean by the term ideal triangle?

An equilateral triangle is said to be ideal.

41
Observation Sheets
Measurement of Horizontal Angle (Reiteration Method)

Instru Sight Face: Swing: Face: Swing: Average Horizontal

ment to angle
Station A B Mean Horizontal A B Mean Horizontal
angle angle
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″

42
 Measurement of Horizontal Angle (Reiteration Method)

Instru ment Sight Face: Swing: Face: Swing: Average

Station to Horizontal angle
A B Mean Horizontal A B Mean Horizontal
angle angle
0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″ 0 ′ ″

43
 Measurement of Vertical Angle
Instrume nt Sight Face: Swing: Face: Swing:
Station to
A B Mean Vertical A B Mean Vertical
angle angle
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″ ′ ″

44
 CHAIN SURVEYING

Chain surveying is the type of surveying in which only linear measurements are taken in the
field. This type of surveying is done for surveys of small extent to describe the boundaries of plot
of land to locate the existing features on them.

It is the method of surveying in which the area is divided into network of triangles and the
sides of the various triangles are measured directly in the field with a chain or a tape and no angular
measurements are taken.

Chains are the measuring instrument used in surveying formed by the 100 links of 4mm
galvanized mild steel wire. These links are joined by 3 circular or oval wire rings. These rings
provide the flexibility to the chains.

Every aspect of the life requires some measuring units. Measurements are used to do the work
precisely and accurately. Let it be from kitchen to office, everywhere measurements are used. So
as in engineering calculation or measurements holds a very greater role in construction or
surveying or any other aspect.

There are various units of measurements such as meters, centimeters, feets, inches, acre, yards
and the list goes on. Same as units there are various instrument used in the measurements of any
entity. One of the instruments used in measurement are chains.
 Parts of Chains used in Surveying
The chain consists of many small parts used for handling or reading the measurements.

Every aspect of the life requires some measuring units. Measurements are used to do the work
precisely and accurately. Let it be from kitchen to office, everywhere measurements are used. So
as in engineering calculation or measurements holds a very greater role in construction or
surveying or any other aspect.

There are various units of measurements such as meters, centimeters, feets, inches, acre, yards
and the list goes on. Same as units there are various instrument used in the measurements of any
entity. One of the instruments used in measurement are chains.

Parts of Chains used in Surveying

The chain consists of many small parts used for handling or reading the measurements.

o At the ends chain is provided with brass handle with swivel joint so that it can be easy to roll or
unroll the chain without twisting and knots.

o At every 10th link is provided with a tally of one teeth, 20th link with a tally of two teeth and so
on till 40th link. This is provided for the easy reading of measurements.
o At the center of the chain is provided with a circular talley used for easy reading.
 Types of Chains used in Surveying
Depending upon the length of the chain, these are divide into following types,

1. Metric chains

2. Steel band or Band chain

3. Gunter’s chain or surveyor’s chain

4. Engineer’s chain

5. Revenue chain

A. Metric chains
Metric chains are the most commonly used chain in India. These types of chains comes in many
lengths such as 5, 10, 20 and 30 meters. Most commonly used is 20m chain. Tallies are provided
at every 2m of the chain for quick reading. Every link of this type of chain is 0.2m. The total
length of the chain is marked on the brass handle at the ends.

B. Steel band or Band chain

These types of chain consist of a long narrow strip of steel of uniform width of 12 to 16 mm and
thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 mm. this chain is divides by brass studs at every 20cm or instead of brass
studs, band chain may have graduated engraving as centimeter.
For easy use and workability band chains are wound on steel crosses or metal reels from which
they can be easily unrolled. These steel bands are available in 20m and 30m length and the width
of about 12-16mm.

C. Gunter’s chain or surveyor’s chain

Gunter chain comes in standard 66ft. These chain consists of 100links, each link being 0.66ft or
7.92inches. The length 66ft is selected because it is convenient in land measurements.

10 square Gunter’s chains = 1 Acre

10 Gunter chains = 1 Furlong

80 Gunter chains = 1 mile

D. Engineer’s chain
This chain comes in 100ft length. It consist of 100 links each link being 1ft long. At every 10
links a brass ring or tags are provided for indication of 10 links. Readings are taken in feet and
decimal.

E. Revenue Chain
The standard size of this type of chain is 33ft. The number of links are 16, each link being

2 ft. This chain is commonly used in cadastral survey.

PRINCIPLE OF CHAIN SURVEYING

 The principal of chain surveying is to divide the area into a number of triangles of
suitable sides.
 As a triangles is the only simple plane of geometrical figure which can be plotted from
the lengths of the three sides even if the angels are not known.
 A network of triangles (triangulation) is preferred to in chain surveying.
 If the area to be surveyed is triangular in shape and if the lengths and sequence of its
three sides are recorded the plane of area can be easily drawn.
 
SURVEY STATIONS
Survey stations are the points at the beginning and at the end of the chain line. They may
also occur at any convenient position on the chain line. Such stations may be :
(a) Main stations (b) Subsidiary stations (c) Tie stations

(a) Main stations : Stations taken along the boundary of an area as controlling points known
as ‘main stations’. The lines joining the main stations are called ‘main survey lines’. The
main survey lines should be cover the whole area to be surveyed. The main
stations are denoted by ‘ ’ with letters A,B,C,D, etc.
(B) Subsidiary stations : Stations which are on the main survey lines or any other survey
lines are known as ‘Subsidiary stations’. These stations are taken to run subsidiary lines
for dividing the area into triangles , for checking the accuracy of triangles and for
locating interior details. these stations are denoted by ‘ ‘ with letters S1, S2, S3, etc.

(c) Tie stations : These are also subsidiary stations taken on the main survey lines. Lines
joining the tie stations are known as ‘tie lines’. Tie lines are taken to locate interior
details. The stations are denoted by ‘ ’ with letters T1 , T2 , T3 , etc.

(2) MAIN SURVEY LINES : The lines joining the main stations are called ‘main
survey lines’ or chain lines in fig. AB,BC,CD and DA are the main survey lines.
(3) BASE LINE : The line on which the framework of the survey is built is known as the
‘base line’ . It is the most important line of the survey .Generally , the longest of the main
survey line is considered as the base line. This line should be measured very carefully and
accurately. In fig. BD is the base line

(4) CHECK LINE : The line joining the apex point of a triangle to some fixed points on
its base is known as the ‘check line’. It is taken to check the accuracy of the triangle .
Sometimes this line is helps to locate interior details .In fig.CS1 , AS2 are the check lines.
(5) TIE – LINE : A line joining tie stations is termed as a tie line. It is run to take the
interior details which are far away from the main lines and also to avoid long offsets. It
can also serve as check line. In Fig. T1 T2 is the tie line.